From the 90s (in a small patch of Yorkshire), I remember Townies, Scallies, Kevs (seemingly a lot of them were called Kev where I lived), Carlings (a drink of choice, perhaps?), and Scrotes (i.e. ballbags). Neds was sometimes used as an alternative, but wasn’t common.
I don’t think I heard “Chavs” until the early 2000s. Never quite sure if they were actually the same thing - as the “Chav” thing seemed to have a class/wealth element, that “Chavs were poor/working class”, whereas the Townies/Scallies/Kevs of my teen years were certainly all from richer families than me and my friends, they just liked to rob people, smash up bus shelters and shops and attack people (especially those who were “gay looking” or “foreign looking”).
It probably originated there but I think it’s just spread everywhere now. See loads of teens dressed all in black listening to drill music, some even with their faces covered as if they’re off to rob a bank.
When I were young they were called townies and scallies. I think “roadman” is more prevelant now though.
From the 90s (in a small patch of Yorkshire), I remember Townies, Scallies, Kevs (seemingly a lot of them were called Kev where I lived), Carlings (a drink of choice, perhaps?), and Scrotes (i.e. ballbags). Neds was sometimes used as an alternative, but wasn’t common.
I don’t think I heard “Chavs” until the early 2000s. Never quite sure if they were actually the same thing - as the “Chav” thing seemed to have a class/wealth element, that “Chavs were poor/working class”, whereas the Townies/Scallies/Kevs of my teen years were certainly all from richer families than me and my friends, they just liked to rob people, smash up bus shelters and shops and attack people (especially those who were “gay looking” or “foreign looking”).
Isn’t “roadman” more specific to London, and more of a voluntary lifestyle choice than a chav?
It probably originated there but I think it’s just spread everywhere now. See loads of teens dressed all in black listening to drill music, some even with their faces covered as if they’re off to rob a bank.